Feeling French / Se sentir français

Je suis - I AM finding inspiration through the French way of life; their interiors, the way they entertain and through art. This week I thought I’d share some french things from around the Chalet.

Santé - Sancerre - is a crisp lovely white and perfect anytime.

The Paris Apartment is a locked room mystery, set in an apartment building in which every resident has something to hide.

I finally bought A Year In The French Style the images are stunning.

This wonderful book was found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I’m planning to visit France next year and was thrilled when I came across this phrasebook and dictionary at the local library’s on the sale shelf.

This book is filled with humor and it uncovers some of the secrets of the celebrated French art of living well.

Kate and Frida’s friendship sustains and encourages them through their letters from Seattle and Paris to one another. This is on my summer reading list for Book Club and I’m excited to meet these ladies and explore their friendship.

I’ve owned Mr. Harte’s Holiday since I found it at an Encore Books Store in April 1994. I was drawn to the dust jacket, the story and the wonderful art within it’s pages. It’s the tale of a British artist sharing his travels in Normandy and Brittany, accompanied by the watercolors he painted.

Bringing France Home has been in my collection for almost 30 years and I love it as much today as I did when I purchased it.

Friends I own books about Chatsworth House in England, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, The White House and Williamsburg, VA and Design books - many many design books. I do find it quite enjoyable to dive into places and subjects.

Do you have books focused on a particular place or subject?

Til next time I hope your summer is going well and I’ll see you on Instagram.

Jewels of the Sea

Yes, jewels of the sea is how I think of seashells.

I’ve finally gotten a moment to breathe after the craziness of the last month. It finally feels like summer with nicer weather and time relaxing at the swim club. Of course this has me looking around at my many seashells collections and dreaming of the beach. I just said to family - When can we pop down to the beach for a day? We’ve enjoyed beach weeks 12 times over the last 15 years but unfortunately schedules this summer just wouldn’t allow it - a bummer. So, I’ve gathered images to satiate my thirst for more shells! And I need to get the family on-board with a day trip - ASAP! ha!

Til next time friends. I hope your summer is going swimmingly and I’ll see you over on Instagram!